Coach Chris Conlin challenged, inspired his players –
Eli Stokols attended the Celebration of Life for former coach Chris Conlin. (PHOTO: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). Former University High School baseball standout Eli Stokols, who now covers the White House for Politico, has fond memories being coached by Chris Conlin, the long-time University High School coach who was honored during a celebration of […]
Eli Stokols attended the Celebration of Life for former coach Chris Conlin. (PHOTO: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).
Former University High School baseball standout Eli Stokols, who now covers the White House for Politico, has fond memories being coached by Chris Conlin, the long-time University High School coach who was honored during a celebration of life earlier this month.
There were plenty of life lessons, he said.
Conlin died on April 15, 2025 at the age of 71 after an illness surrounded by family friends.
“I was watching and listening to people and what Coach (Mike) Gerakos said about him with the red brick dust all over his feet I was thinking about this image of him on the field before practice, after practice, raking the dirt, watering the infield and the amount of time and care he put into just creating a place, a field, a program for not just me but for all these years and years and years of kids to come through and have a place to really grow but also to have just have fun,” Stokols said in an interview after the celebration at Friends Church in Yorba Linda.
“Being part of the Uni baseball program was the most important thing I did in high school, it’s the thing I remember the clearest, the friends I made and continue to be in touch with. It’s just a really special part of my life and my memories of growing up here and it was important to me. Coach, as people talked about, he was a pretty direct guy.
“As encouraging as he was he wouldn’t sugar coat things, so he was a big muscly guy and I came in at 14 years old and I was pretty spindly. I think he had a hard time seeing, ‘how is this guy going to develop and be anything in our program.’ I wasn’t the most athletic or the fastest and certainly not the biggest. And he would kind of let you know that you had a ways to go. And he was intimidating, especially coming in as a 14-year-old. He let you know, nothing was given and you had to earn it.
“It was really my first experience with that kind of situation and competition and being part of a program and having to work your way up to something. I can still remember some of our games our senior year in 1997, I can remember some of my better moments as a player and I can describe them to you very clearly. I think about the confidence I played with my senior year there and the way that team came together.
“You sort of appreciate it at the time but to go from a lot of self doubt and not being as good of a player but to being a better player and a more confident player on the field and being part of a group and all that confidence that I had on the field was because of the stuff that he and Coach (Paul) Serna and Coach Gerakos put me through and the challenge they laid down to you.
“High school baseball is sort of a singular experience but it does help you going forward whatever you do. To have someone who believed in you, but made you earn it, didn’t give you anything and let you know you were going to do it yourself and taught you how to be part of a team and a group, and we were really close.
“And it was also just fun. I think about all his little sayings and the ways he would kind of rib us. They had a good rapport and it was a really good environment and a good group and you feel all these years later lucky to be have been part of it.”
Celebrated league title
Stokols, who played two years with the varsity at University, remembers the 1997 season when the Trojans won the league title on the last day of the season.
“We all put a lot into it,” he said. “We won the league and we won our first CIF (playoff) game and then we had to play Mater Dei and we lost by one. I think Garrrett (Atkins) hit a ball that was caught on the warning track for the last out. I was on deck. It was sad when it ended, ends are tough, that was a really special group.”
Stokols then attended UC Berkley where he continued his baseball career and got his college education. He’s also a Columbia University School of Journalism graduate.
“I think maybe my confidence as a player going into a program that I really didn’t have any business playing in, a D-1 Pac-10 program as it was then, came from playing with Garrett and playing with this group and having a lot of success and being, ‘why not.’ I got to Cal and I thought these guys are really good, it was hard but I stuck with it and ending up traveling and pitching a little bit my senior year and earning a collegiate letter and I had times throughout college thought, ‘I don’t need to put the hours in, I don’t need to be a part of this program, it’s not my identity, I will go do something else,’” Stokols said.
“I stuck with it, in part because I had a lot of good friends in the program, as I did in high school, but I also probably stuck with it because of the experience I had in high school. You’re just building on the foundation you had already laid down, having people who push you and challenge you and support you.
“I got a (letterman) jacket that doesn’t fit me but it’s a nice symbol of my persistence in doing something that I probably had no business doing. I knew I wasn’t going to wind up in the Major Leagues but I’m glad I did it.”
Covered Little League
Besides baseball, Stokols also had an interest in journalism working during the summer for the Irvine World News and its sister paper in Mission Viejo at the age of 15. Stokols’ biggest story was covering South Mission Viejo Little League major all-stars, which wound up going to Williamsport for the Little League World Series.
“I do remember how much fun that summer was, taking the ride with those families all the way to the regional final in San Bernardino and being sad I had to go off to start college and couldn’t go with them to Williamsport,” he said.
“I can still remember a lot of the players from that team and the coach, Jim Gattis, was a lot of fun to get to know and talk to. When I told him I was going up to Cal to play baseball that fall, he invited me out to a team practice and tried to show me a few grips to play with to develop a cutter. Great baseball guy.
“That team was the first story I ever got latched onto that was a running story, not a one-off piece. And I got fairly wrapped up in it. Maybe that’s a no-no in journalism even when you’re covering a Little League team. But being only a few years removed from my own Little League days, which I shared with my own dad, it felt very personal watching these kids and families have so much success and joy on this journey together.
“I remember being so impressed by their abilities at such a young age, by Gattis who gave them so much baseball knowledge and helped them succeed while remembering that they were all just kids, by the connections between the families in the stands; and the way all of them were so welcoming to me. I don’t cover many ‘feel good’ stories these days, but I’ll always remember that one.”
White House reporter
Stokols path led him to work in Denver and then to Washington D.C where he has been covering politics for 10 years. He started at Politico, then the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times before returning to Politico about two and a half years ago. He’s also had guest television appearances on CNN and MSNBC.
Covering the White House and President Donald Trump has been demanding but fulfilling, he indicated.
“In some ways it’s easy because they make so much news you just try to catch up and there is always stuff to write about it but it’s challenging sussing out new information and finding out what’s going on as it is in any White House like that,” he said. “There’s a lot of people on the beat so it’s competitive. It feels like it’s important but it’s a grind. I would never say that I don’t appreciate the uniqueness of the opportunity to be in that building and to sit in the briefing room or to occasionally fly on Air Force One and to ask the president questions.
“But it’s a tough job and it’s a lot of work and there is a lot of competition. It is an intense beat. This president makes news at all hours of the day and sometimes you’re putting to kids to bed at 7:30 and your phone rings and your editor is on the line wanting to know why the hell you don’t have the story. You got to figure how to deal with that.
“I was lucky to come up with something when I was a teenager and sort of had a clear sense of what I wanted to do and to be able to go off and do it.”
Advice for others
Stokols also had advice for those wanting to enter the journalism field.
“Persistence, I guess. It’s not an easy time for the industry, people need journalism, they need to know what’s going on at the local level, I would say even more so than the national level, there are a lot of journalists in D.C. and New York talking about our federal government, he said. “There are not a lot of places who are still investigating local news and that’s hard.
“Don’t do it to get rich. But if you believe in it and you are good at it, we need people to come along who want to chase stories and find things out and shine a light on stuff and people who are good at that will always find that if you work hard, the information is still the commodity so the platforms are different and the business is different. But if you’re good at sussing out what is happening and telling a story, you will probably find somewhere to land and do that job.”
Stokols and his wife Elena have two boys Ryne, 2 (named after Stokols favorite players former Cub Ryne Sandberg) and Charlie, 4 and live in Washington, D.C.
“My parents are still in the same house I grew up in so a lot of ties there with them and their friends, trips are a little different now when you come out with two little ones, but they love running around going to the beach,” Stokols said.
Stokols acknowledged dealing with Coach Conlin’s death.
“This is obviously a sad occasion,” Stokols said. “You wish the circumstances were different but it’s been a while since I’ve seen a lot of these guys. Life takes you in different directions. It’s been nice the last day or so getting to catch up with guys you spend your entire high school years with, hour and hours at a time.”
After dry spells contributed to wildfires in northern Minnesota, we now have the opposite problem: a days-long deluge. As Bring Me The News reports, some parts of the state will see up to five inches of rain. “[C]onsistent rain will move slowly east Friday morning, continuing on and off through the weekend and into early […]
After dry spells contributed to wildfires in northern Minnesota, we now have the opposite problem: a days-long deluge. As Bring Me The News reports, some parts of the state will see up to five inches of rain. “[C]onsistent rain will move slowly east Friday morning, continuing on and off through the weekend and into early next week, with central Minnesota and the Twin Cities potentially seeing the largest amounts.”
Rain or shine, dozens of No Kings protests are planned throughout Minnesota on Saturday. The largest event will be at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, and FOX 9 has put together a list of protests and start times across the state.
One of the great aspects of Minnesota summers is the plethora of outdoor youth sports. But cordiality isn’t always the name of the game. As MPR News reports, “there’s a troubling trend within youth sports of coaches, referees and other game officials saying they’re facing more pressure, harsh criticism and conflict than ever before, and much of it is coming from parents.”
If you prefer to be entertained from your digital device, The Hill reports that “Minnesota lawmakers have approved a measure requiring social media platforms to display a warning label, cautioning about the negative impacts of its use on mental health.”
Finally today, Racket shares their Freeloader Friday, with 124 free things to do this weekend. Spend some time out and about if you can!
Homere & Ham to Square Off in Juneteenth Charity Basketball Game
All proceeds from this event, will go towards helping kids afford AAU youth basketball. DULUTH, Minn.- Thursday, June 19th, marks the national celebration of the federal holiday, Juneteenth. Right here in Duluth two local leaders are putting together a charity basketball game to commemorate the occasion with a notable Duluth Denfeld Alum playing in the […]
All proceeds from this event, will go towards helping kids afford AAU youth basketball.
DULUTH, Minn.- Thursday, June 19th, marks the national celebration of the federal holiday, Juneteenth.
Right here in Duluth two local leaders are putting together a charity basketball game to commemorate the occasion with a notable Duluth Denfeld Alum playing in the game.
Duluth Denfeld boys basketball head coach Phill Homere and Liza Williamson are constructing the first Juneteenth charity basketball game.
The captains of the teams will be Homere and Minnesota Vikings fullback CJ Ham.
The two teams competing in the game will be built from players that have made an impact in the community.
“I reached out to CJ Ham, and he said that he would love to be a part of it. As well as, he’s bringing another Vikings running back to play with him. So, we’re looking at it as, a basketball game where we’re just gonna get community members, I believe we have three police officers, three of them are from Fond du Lac that is going to be playing in this event and we are really looking forward to it and we want it to be almost like, something as far as, guys just out there enjoying themselves, having fun,” Said Homere. “We feel like it will be a good chance for us to raise awareness and play the great game of basketball.”
All proceeds from this event, will go towards helping kids afford AAU youth basketball.
“The goal is, we would like to raise funds as far as individuals that can’t afford tennis shoes, especially like being around in the west side we run into that a lot. As far as playing basketball tournaments, going down to the cities to compete, we run into a lot of kids that’s not able to afford it because of that it makes them not want to play AAU basketball,” said Homere. “Our goal is, if we can raise some money to help with that, that would be great.”
The Juneteenth charity basketball game is next Friday, at Duluth Denfeld high school.
Sparks Orthopedics and Northeast Orthopedics recently announced their official merger, effective August 18, 2025, forming one of the region’s most comprehensive and community-connected orthopedic practices. The new unified organization, operating under the name Northeast Orthopedics, will combine decades of orthopedic excellence, increase access to patient resources, deepen partnerships with local schools and sports teams, […]
Sparks Orthopedics and Northeast Orthopedics recently announced their official merger, effective August 18, 2025, forming one of the region’s most comprehensive and community-connected orthopedic practices.
The new unified organization, operating under the name Northeast Orthopedics, will combine decades of orthopedic excellence, increase access to patient resources, deepen partnerships with local schools and sports teams, and deliver a more seamless experience for patients across the region.
The merger comes after more than two years of strategic planning, clinical collaboration and feedback from patients, staff and the community.
The decision reflects the shared values and vision of both practices, which have long prioritized expert care, innovation, and community engagement.
A Shared Mission for Advanced Care
By joining forces, Sparks Orthopedics and Northeast Orthopedics will now offer expanded services across a wider geographic footprint. Patients will benefit from:
• Enhanced access to specialists and services in sports medicine, joint replacement, spine care, and more.
• Consolidated scheduling and records systems, allowing for smoother transitions between providers and more coordinated care.
• Shared physical therapy and rehabilitation programs, bringing evidence-based recovery strategies closer to home.
• Increased resources and staffing, improving wait times and appointment availability across all locations.
“This merger isn’t just about growing in size—it’s about growing in service,” said Dr. Butch Douthit, Senior Physician of the newly formed Northeast Orthopedics. “We are unifying our strengths to elevate the standard of orthopedic care in the region. Patients can expect more personalized options, better follow-through, and the same commitment to compassionate, expert care they’ve always known.”
Stronger Ties to Local Schools and Student Athletes
One of the key advantages of the merger is an expanded ability to work directly with local school districts, athletic programs, and community sports leagues. Both Sparks and Northeast Orthopedics have a long history of supporting youth sports through injury prevention, in school physicals, and sideline medical support. The merger will allow this work to scale.
“With more physicians, athletic trainers, and clinical staff available, we can strengthen our presence in local schools and better support student-athletes year-round,” said Cory Fuller, PT, DPT, Director of Physical Therapy Services. “From pre-season evaluations to on-site injury response and post-injury rehabilitation, we’ll now be able to serve more athletes in more schools, faster and more efficiently.”
Already, the combined group has signed partnership agreements with several local school districts, covering over 10,000 students and student-athletes.
One Brand, One Experience
Patients of both legacy organizations will soon begin to see a unified brand presence, including a new website, updated signage, and a centralized patient portal that simplifies scheduling, billing, and communication. The Northeast Orthopedics brand will be rolled out gradually over the next several months, with the full transition expected by December 2025.
“Our goal is to eliminate confusion and give patients one consistent experience—whether they’re seeing a doctor in our Gadsden office, getting physical therapy in Rainbow City, or checking their medical record from their phone,” said Rick Janss, Administrator. “This merger allows us to streamline systems, improve service, and ensure that every interaction reflects the quality and trust we’re known for.”
What Patients Need to Know
• No immediate changes are required from current patients. All appointments, insurance plans, and provider relationships will continue uninterrupted during the transition.
• Phone numbers, patient portals, and locations will remain the same for now, with updates communicated well in advance.
• A new, centralized website will launch in August at www.northeastorthopedics.com , with full integration of patient tools by fall.
Patients will receive communications about the transition, and our phone desk will be available to answer any questions.
Looking Ahead
The merger is not only a reflection of the organizations’ shared history but also their commitment to future innovation. Northeast Orthopedics plans to invest in expanded healthcare options, additional outpatient surgery capabilities, and new methods to advance orthopedic care in the region.
“This is just the beginning,” said Dr. Daniel Sparks, Orthopedic Surgeon at the new Northeast Orthopedics. “Together, we’re building something stronger—something that will serve our communities for generations to come. We’re proud of where we’ve been, and we’re even more excited about where we’re going.”
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the newly combined practice stands ready to lead with compassion, expertise, and community-first thinking. Patients, families, and partners can expect the same trusted care—only better, broader, and more connected than ever.
About Sparks Orthopedics
Founded in 2001, Sparks Orthopedics has served thousands of patients with expert care in joint replacement, sports medicine, and trauma recovery. Known for its commitment to clinical excellence and personalized treatment, Sparks has grown into one of the area’s most trusted orthopedic providers.
About Northeast Orthopedics
Since 1986, Northeast Orthopedics has provided comprehensive orthopedic care to patients across northeastern Alabama. A regional company with six locations, Northeast Orthopedics has a focus on innovation and community involvement, the group has earned a reputation for quality care and responsive service.
The Y – Make This Summer Active, Fun, and Full of Learning at the Y
Summer is one of the most exciting times of the year — a season full of sunshine, adventure, and the perfect opportunity for kids to stay active, make new friends, and try something new. At the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, we’re here to help families make the most of it with engaging programs designed to […]
Summer is one of the most exciting times of the year — a season full of sunshine, adventure, and the perfect opportunity for kids to stay active, make new friends, and try something new. At the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, we’re here to help families make the most of it with engaging programs designed to keep kids moving, learning, and having fun all summer long.
Whether your child is a beginner swimmer or looking to build on their water safety skills, Summer Swim Lessons at the Fry Family YMCA offer a safe, supportive environment to grow confidence in the water. Our certified instructors focus on swimming fundamentals while making learning fun and rewarding.
For older kids interested in building leadership skills and learning lifesaving techniques, our Junior Lifeguard Camp is the perfect fit. It’s a great way to introduce youth to the responsibilities of lifeguarding while keeping them active and engaged.
And let’s not forget the action-packed excitement of Youth Sports Camps! These camps are all about teamwork, skill development, and staying active through basketball, soccer, and more — all in a supportive, positive setting.
No matter your child’s interests, the Y has something to keep them moving, exploring, and thriving all summer long. Let’s make this the best summer yet — full of fun, growth, and unforgettable memories!
The Fry Family Y has a wide variety of offerings available that will keep you and your family happy and healthy all while having fun. Learn more and register at fryfamilyymca.org, call us at 630-904-9595, or stop by our front desk!
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced Friday, June 13 the formation of the Birmingham Youth Sports League, a new initiative aimed at enriching the lives of of young people through athletic training, mentorship, and academic support. “This is a chance for Birmingham to support and enhance the youth sports experience across our […]
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced Friday, June 13 the formation of the Birmingham Youth Sports League, a new initiative aimed at enriching the lives of of young people through athletic training, mentorship, and academic support.
“This is a chance for Birmingham to support and enhance the youth sports experience across our city,” said Mayor Woodfin. “We’re not just building athletes, we’re building character, community, and opportunity.”
The league will launch this summer with football and cheerleading, and will expand to eventually include basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer in future phases.
The mission is rooted in the CEETA standard: character, excellence, equity, teamwork, and accountability. In addition to athletic training, the league will focus on providing life skills, conflict resolution strategies, and academic mentorship to participating youth, according to a news release.
The league will be led by a governing team that includes an advisory team, commissioner, assistant commissioner, and operations directors for each sport, with coordination from the Mayor’s Office, Birmingham Park and Recreation, and the Department of Youth Services.
For more information and how to register click here.
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Derrick White heading to Singapore to coach in Basketball Without Borders camp
Derrick White is going international this offseason. The Boston Celtics star is heading to Singapore to try his hand in coaching. White will be one of the coaches during a four-day camp for the 15th edition of Baseball Without Borders (BWB) Asia, which will be held at the Singapore Basketball Centre next weekend. Sixty of […]
Derrick White is going international this offseason. The Boston Celtics star is heading to Singapore to try his hand in coaching.
White will be one of the coaches during a four-day camp for the 15th edition of Baseball Without Borders (BWB) Asia, which will be held at the Singapore Basketball Centre next weekend. Sixty of the top youth basketball players in Asia will take part in the camp, and White is one of the three current NBA players who will participate.
In addition to White, Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers and Doup Reath of the Portland Trail Blazers will coach in the camp. A handful of NBA assistant coaches — including former Boston College star Jared Dudley, who is now on the Dallas Mavericks staff — and WNBA legend Ticha Penicherio are also heading overseas to coach.
This marks the second straight summer White is going international. After he helped lead the Celtics to an NBA Championship in 2024, White played a hand in the 2024 U.S. Men’s Olympic team winning gold in Paris. At least this time around, he won’t be hitting the floor too much and can rest up for the upcoming season.
During the BWB camp, White and the other coaches will lead campers through a number of activities, including movement efficiency drills, offensive and defensive skill stations, three-point contests, and 5-on-5 games. There will also be sessions that include lessons on life-skills and leadership development.
The camp will conclude on Sunday, June 22 with a ceremony to hand out awards for the camp’s MVP, the Three-Point Champion, the Defensive MVP, and a Sportsmanship Award.
Basketball Without Borders
Basketball Without Borders was organized by the NBA in conjunction with FIBA and has hosted camps since 2001 in 53 cities across 33 counties. There have been over 4,600 participants in Basketball Without Borders camps over the years, and 132 of them have moved on to the NBA or WNBA. That list includes Josh Giddey of the Chicago Bulls and Josh Green of the Charlotte Hornets (both from Australia) and Rui Hachimura of the Los Angeles Lakers (Japan).
Matt Geagan
Matthew Geagan is a sports producer for CBS Boston. He has been part of the WBZ sports team for nearly 20 years. He moved over to the web in 2012 and has covered all the highs (and a few lows) in Boston sports.
